Mrs. Chafee gave an update on Senate Bill 1 which is an updated version of Senate Bill 16. She stated a lot will happen before this is moved forward. As they run new projections, it is nice that North Palos School District 117 is being recognized. Mrs. Chafee noted we have a strong City and a strong Community. She also thanked the City for supporting our schools and for making great decisions.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request from Jewel/Osco to construct a temporary greenhouse in the parking lot from April 1st to July 1st. No objections were noted.

Clerk Catizone noted the Hickory Hills Kiwanis Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 28th at the Community Center.

CITY TREASURER

No report submitted.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 15-4, an ordinance
approving the acquisition of 9413 South 88th Avenue from the Federal Aviation Administration. Attorney Cainkar noted this is the property of the abandoned FAA site next to the retention pond. There are some back taxes that will be corrected to non-tax exempt. The cost of this property is $20,000.00.

Res. 15-4 – Attorney Cainkar presented Resolution 15-4, a resolution providing for an updated policy for assistance to residents with sanitary sewer line back-up problems. Attorney Cainkar noted if the residential property owner installs overhead sewers or a check valve under the criteria established by the City, then the City agrees to pay one-half of the approved cost of installation but not to exceed $3,000.00. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution 15-4. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mike Spolar reported a bid opening for the 2015 Street Resurfacing was held on March 12, 2015. All bids were correct and in order. The list of bidders with their respective bids is as follows:

Mr. Spolar noted a bid opening with be held in early April for the storm sewer project on 85th Court.

Mr. Spolar reported a Public Hearing is now open in accordance with the General Permit for Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MSS) for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System known as (NPDES). The purpose of this hearing is to list the City’s program to keep storm water clean and pass this clean storm water to towns at lower elevations. The size of Hickory Hills is 2.8 square miles and storm water runoff enters the following receiving waters: Belly Deep Slough, I&M Canal, and the Lucas Ditch Cut-Off. Listed below are the implemented control measures:

1. Public Education & Outreach – This program is met by publishing articles in the City’s newsletter and pamphlets from the Clerk’s Office.
2. Public Involvement & Participation – This is met by holding this public hearing. The City’s Tree Replacement Program is a public outreach program that also meets this Control Measure requirement.
3. Illicit Discharge & Elimination – This is met by ordinances to address this issue. The Public Works Department has an up-to-date sewer atlas that indicates all outfalls and it performs dry weather inspections of these outfalls. The City also has a hotline number to report spills.
4. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control – The City has an Erosion Control Ordinance in place for this control measure and performs site inspections of construction sites. The City inspects detention ponds for silt retention.
5. Post Construction Storm Water Runoff Control in New Developments & Redevelopments – The City has a Post-Construction Ordinance in place and final inspections are required for any sites.
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping – The City performs street sweeping, inspections and cleaning drainage structures and sewers. Public Works employees receive annual training. Public Works disposes of its used oil in bulk.
7. Annual Activities Moving Forward – An annual report is made to the IEPA each year by June 1st. The City’s Public Programs include the 50/50 tree replacement, cleanup days and dumpster days. The City also has ordinances and a sewer atlas that are reviewed yearly.

This is the summary of the City’s commitment to meet the General Permit requirements. No public comments at this time. Public Hearing is closed.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of March, 2015 in the amount of $186,326.48. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki reported the negotiating team will hold its meeting with the Police Radio Operators on April 8th to discuss their contract. He is asking for an executive session at the April 9, 2015 meeting.

Stachnik/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Zimmerman/Public Works

No report submitted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight presented one business certificate application for Olympic Marshal Arts located at 8847 W. 87th Street. This will be a Marshal Art Studio. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported they are working on the Arbor Day Tree Sale.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman Waight asked when the discussion on the truck parking will resume. Mayor Howley stated this would most likely be discussed in April.